Not everyone can afford to have expensive monthly facials or buy facial scrubs and skin moisturisers. But this does not mean that one has to give in to bad, unhealthy skin.
Sharon Naluwende a nutritionist from Mulago hospital says what you eat contributes to the overall health of your skin, more so than what you put on it.
For example carrots, Naluwende says apart from sharpening eye sight, the vitamin A in carrots prevents premature ageing. Vitamin A also protects the outer layer of the skin from the sun’s ultra-violet rays.
Sweet potatoes
These also contain vitamin A, although the amount eaten should be regulated to avoid heartburn and constipation. Once a week is a safe bet to ensure a clearer skin.
Garlic
According to Naluwende garlic helps combat premature wrinkles and restores healthy skin tissue making it soft and supple.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have high amounts of potassium that help keep the skin smooth and soft. They offer more than flavour to your dish. Haspha Nassolo a nursing officer at JCRC says tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep the skin firm and taut by aiding collagen production. They also contain lycopene: the red pigment which not only gives them their bright red colour, but also stimulates skin circulation.
Yogurt
One cup of low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a cup of fat-free milk, which is great for your posture, nails, and teeth. Mix it with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast or that essential mid-afternoon snack.
Avocado
Avocado can be used as a facial mask to clear the pores and revitalise the skin, when applied directly to the skin. Here a few other tips you can follow;
- Drink plenty of fresh, clean water to maintain the water balance of your skin, in order to keep it soft and supple. Dehydrated skin shows and is prone to premature wrinkling.
- Wash your face properly just before going to bed, to get rid of make-up, dust and dirt and be sure to moisturise your skin. This is best done while the skin is still damp.
- Exercise the skin on your face by smiling and making facial movements at least once a day. These movements will exercise the muscles that are not frequently worked when you eat or talk.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who eat foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those who don’t. Strawberries, red peppers, and grapefruit are all other great vitamin C sources, just to name a few.
